Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small web-spinning mite; a serious orchard pest: The "red spider mite" is a tiny arachnid that spins fine webs and is a major pest, particularly damaging to fruit trees and other plants in orchards and gardens.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The apple trees were infested with red spider mite, causing the leaves to yellow and drop.
  • Gardeners often use natural predators to control populations of red spider mite.

Advanced Usage

• As a collective term: The term "red spider mite" is often used to refer to the species (the European red mite) or (the two-spotted spider mite), both of which are common pests.
  • The biologist identified the pest as the two-spotted spider mite, a type of red spider mite.

Variants and Related Words

• Spider mite (n): A more general term for mites of the family Tetranychidae, which includes the red spider mite.
  • Spider mites are a common problem for houseplants.
• Tetranychid (n): The scientific family name for spider mites.
• Panonychus ulmi (n): The scientific name for the European red spider mite.

Synonyms

• Fruit tree red spider mite: A more specific common name.
• Two-spotted spider mite: A common synonym, especially for .

Related Phrases

• Red spider mite infestation (n phrase): A situation where a plant or area is severely affected by these mites.
  • The greenhouse faced a severe red spider mite infestation.
• Red spider mite damage (n phrase): The harmful effects caused by these pests, such as stippled, bronzed, or falling leaves.
  • The characteristic red spider mite damage was evident on the underside of the leaves.

Noun

1. small web-spinning mite; a serious orchard pest